News

Coffee giant to open massive location in Chicago
Starbucks Coffee Company is going big in the Windy City — in a space that is currently to home to one of the city’s iconic retail flagships. The coffee retailer will open a four-level, 43,000-sq.-ft. Starbucks Reserve Roastery on Michigan Avenue in Chicago in 2019, in the building currently occupied by Crate & Barrel. The home goods chain, which has operated a store on the site for 27 years, is expected to close its door in early 2018.
Footwear retailer launches responsive e-commerce platform
The Aldo Group is making strides on its digital transformation journey. The retailer has launched a new responsive website and e-commerce platform that will integrate retail online, in-store and mobile channels. The move comes as Aldo transitions leadership, with company founder Aldo Bensadoun naming his son, David Bensadoun, as the new CEO earlier this month.

Amazon Dash racks up a first

Amazon has landed its first apparel brand for its ever-expanding Dash button platform. Calvin Klein skivvies are now only the push-of-a-button away. The company is one of 40 new brands that Amazon recently added to its Dash button platform, and is the first apparel company to join the ranks.
Walmart reduces prices on money transfers

Walmart is making its cheaper and faster for its customers to send money. The retailer is adding new “rollback” fees to its Walmart2Walmart money transfer program. The new fees, beginning Wednesday, April 24, save customers between 20% and 90% on cash transfers versus the leading competitor, according to Walmart. For example, shoppers sending $250 will pay $8 through the new program, compared to fees that could range between $12.50 and $24 on Western Union, the retailer reported.
Costco to give rare payout

In an action that reflects its strong performance, Costco Wholesale Corp. is about to return some $3.1 billion to investors. The retailer announced a special cash dividend on Costco common stock of $7.00 per share, payable May 26, 2017, to shareholders. The dividend is in addition to a 5 cent increase of the company’s quarterly cash dividend to 50 cents a share.
Office supplies giant sells another international unit

Office Depot continues to make good on its promise to focus on its North American business. The retailer said it has closed on the sale of its business in South Korea to Excelsior Capital Asia, a Hong Kong- and Korea-based direct investment firm. Excelsior invests throughout Asia on behalf of major Korean institutions, pension funds and private family offices.
Report: Amazon explores the value of self-driving vehicles

Always in search of more efficient, cheaper delivery methods, Amazon is exploring a new avenue. The online giant has created a think tank that is evaluating how driverless vehicles could improve package delivery speeds, according to NewsMax. The group, which is comprised of 12 members, began brainstorming on the initiative more than a year ago. However, the group is not designing a fleet of driverless vehicles.
Consumer confidence slips in April

April's consumer confidence metric didn't live up to the new benchmark established in March, when consumer confidence reached a 16-year high. This month, the Index declined to 120.3 from 124.9 in March.
Albertsons makes exec appointment

Albertsons Cos. on Monday appointed the president of its Jewel-Osco division, Mike Withers as executive VP, retail operations, Albertsons. Withers will lead the company's East Region operations, while current executive VP, retail operations Susan Morris will lead the West Region. Jim Perkins, executive VP, retail operations Special Projects, is focused on targeted initiatives to accelerate growth. All three executives will continue to report to Wayne Denningham, president and COO, ALbertsons.
Women’s sporting goods retailer elevates its brand message

Title Nine is dedicated to creating a community among its shoppers — and now its e-commerce site supports this endeavor.